Stoke City 0 - 0 Arsenal 26/08/2012 Full highlights [HD]

Considering the objective goals that Arsenal gained in the final two games last season, the two 0-0 draws seemed more desolate.

It is hard to understand that Arsenal sold their leading scorer, but considering their performance last year and the new backroom staff Steve Bould, what they showed this season is not difficult to understand.

The things Arsenal learn from two 0-0 draws

Arsenal held the overwhelming possession in this game, but they could not deal with the situation in front of well organized defense of Stoke City.

Despite Lukas Podolski and Giroud all started in this game and created great threat to opponents in the game, they were all lack of the coup de grace. Premier League would be a new challenge for them. Both of them need time to adapt to this fastest and most competive League. The two players had shown their great potential who might be a key one in Arsenal. Lukas Podolski was full of energy in the previous two matches, but he still needs to improve the shooting accuracy in the last moment with a sobering thought. Meanwhile, Giroud showed the same potential either. He didn’t give place to the experienced opponent and made great troubles to them.

Rapidly rising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain adds new strength to Arsenal. The English young player’s excellent performance last season totally won over Arsenal fans, presenting a great deal maturity beyond his age. Compared with the new joined Lukas Podolski and Giroud, Chamberlain who has adjusted for a season is no doubt a more reliable choice for Arsenal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain possesses all traits that a superb wing forward needs, with strong body, outstanding movement and technique. Arsène Wenger should have given more chance to him. But Maybe it was just for protect, this English young player only unfortunately only got 20 minutes chance in the match on Sunday.

Since upgrading to Premier League from season 2007-2008, Stoke City has kept strong ways and their home court British Tania Stadium has almost become a nightmare for all teams.

We can found this in Arsenal who only gained 1 victory, 6 draws and 3 losses at here.

It was since last season that Stoke City’s home court became a little weaker because they suffered no win in 9 matches there last season, but among which 8 were draws. Throughout the 77 Premier league games played at home, Stoke City only lost 19 of them, so a draw to Arsenal this time is fortunate. Those top 6 who got a draw at British Tania Stadium should be satisfied, so did Arsenal.

Although we all shocked about Alexandre Song Billong and Robin Van Persie’s leave, Arsène Wenger seems to have no plan in inviting new player to replace Cameroon international. With the join of Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Giroud, Arsenal is still seeking for strikers, while in terms of defensive midfielder, they seems no plan.

The contribution of Alexandre Song Billong was mainly from attacking. He indeed offered several main attacks, but Arsenal conceded 49 goals last season, as a defensive midfielder he could hardly absolve himself from blame in protecting midfield. The midfield comprised of Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla is more reliable. Under the coaching of Steve Bould, their defense would get progress then.

Aaron James Ramsey Refused the apology from Stoke City player Shawcross before the game. And this has triggered dissatisfaction of fans. However, Aaron James Ramsey could be fully understood because Shawcross’s bad foul had almost ended this Arsenal midfielder’s career. And only an apology can not help him working out the ever mistakes. Stoke City fans absolutely had no reason to hoot at Aaron James Ramsey. If Ramsey’s leg really broke in 2010 and stopped his career at that time, fans or players could not imagine how could he keep calm, stay and play in this match. Stoke City vs Arsenal and Arsène Wenger vs Tony Pulis, the two total different styles meet, that should be a most anticipated match and should not be destroyed by those malicious intentions.